Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has reported the first confirmed heat-related death in Dallas County for the 2024 season. The victim was a 79-year-old female resident of the City of Dallas, living in the 75227 zip code. She did not have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, DCHHS has not disclosed any additional personal information about the individual.
Dr. Philip Huang, Director of DCHHS, expressed sadness over the incident, stating, “We are very saddened to report our first confirmed heat-related death this season. We encourage everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their children from heat-related illness as temperatures remain high throughout the summer. Hydrate constantly and limit your time outdoors to protect against the intense heat.”
Heat-related illnesses can occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself. To stay safe during the extreme heat, DCHHS advises the public to remain in air-conditioned environments as much as possible and to limit outdoor activities. For those who must be outdoors, frequent breaks in the shade, drinking plenty of water, and monitoring for signs of heat-related illness are recommended.
DCHHS also noted that residents without air conditioning in their homes might qualify for an emergency A/C window unit and provided a contact number for assistance: 214-819-1976.
To learn more and for safety tips visit: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html
